Mayan Astronomy and Chichen Itza

Question 1

How did ancient Mayans decide where to build their temples and other structures?

Accepted Answer

Astronomy: when the sun would shine directly on particular parts

Question 2

What happens on the equinoxes at El Castillo in Chichen Itza?

Accepted Answer

The sun causes a shadow that looks like a serpent slithering

Question 3

Mayan people (descendants of the ancient Mayan civilization, many who still speak Mayan languages) still exist today

Accepted Answer

True

Question 4

How many codices (ancient Mayan books) remain today?

Accepted Answer

5

Question 5

Why is it impressive that the Mayans were able to calculate the exact number of days in one year?

Accepted Answer

All of the above

Question 6

How many days does it take for the Earth to travel around the sun?

Accepted Answer

365.2422

Question 7

Where was the ancient Mayan civilization located?

Accepted Answer

What is now Southern Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, and Belize

Question 8

What calendars did the ancient Mayans use?

Accepted Answer

A solar calendar and a calendar for religious holidays and events

Question 9

What was one way El Castillo at Chichen Itza could be used as a calendar?

Accepted Answer

It tells farmers when to clear their fields to plant corn

Question 10

How did ancient Mayan people discover that there were 365.2420 days in a year?

Accepted Answer

They studied astronomy- looking at the sun, moon, and stars

Questions 10